A number of events are taking place around Moose Jaw as Monday marked National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Over at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus, the Treaty 4 territory flag was raised. Due to the pandemic, however, all other events held by Sask. Polytechnic was held virtually. 

The events kicked off in the morning with greetings from the school’s president Dr. Larry Rosia, followed by traditional teachings of the summer solstice by elder Rose Bird. 

Sask. Polytechnic acting director of Indigenous strategy Deanna Speidel explained the importance of the summer solstice to Indigenous people. 

“It's the changing of seasons and the start something new and just to recognize the traditional educational opportunities that summers bring,” she said. 

Inuit elder Naulaq LeDrew also gave a presentation about the changing of seasons from spring to summer from the Inuit perspective. 

Guest performer Dakota Ray Herbert performed and the day wrapped up with Cree Bingo and Metis music by Jordan Daniels in the afternoon. 

All of the events took place over either Facebook or Zoom, and Speidel said it opened it up to a wider audience. 

“The best thing about going virtually and on our social media platforms is that this isn't only targeted for Sask Polytechnic students, this opens up for everybody,” she said.  

“Non-Indigenous, Indigenous people, people from coast to coast to coast, anybody can take part and celebrate along with Sask polytechnic.” 

In a separate event on Monday night, the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association is holding a Summer Solstice Fireside Social in Connors Park from 6 p.m. to dark. 

The celebration will include a smudging ceremony, hotdogs, and s’mores for everyone to enjoy.